Worcester Warriors outlined plans to ensure the club’s future success at a well-attended Supporters’ Evening on Thursday.
Over 600 Season Ticket and Debenture Holders were present at Sixways as they were informed of the club’s long-term vision to become a dominant force in English and European rugby over the next decade.
And following Warriors’ relegation from the Aviva Premiership, supporters were reassured that the vision will not be affected.
Warriors’ Interim Chief Executive Anthony Glossop began the evening by explaining the increased investment the club will receive.
Warriors is now controlled by Sixways Holding Limited (SHL), a non-profit entity which, together with its predecessor Hockley, has been funding the club for the last six years.
SHL will offer significant future investment into the Academy, first-team squad and support staff and is also committed to enhancing local rugby as well as community and charitable causes.
As part of the club’s long-term vision, Dean Ryan used the evening as an opportunity to highlight the type of player the club now targets when recruiting.
Ryan has made 15 signings ahead of next season, including Bath wing Tom Biggs, Harlequins wing Sam Smith and Northampton back-row Gerrit-Jan van Velze.
With Academy graduates Jonny Arr, Alex Grove and Chris Pennell also committing their future to the club, Ryan is building a young squad capable of helping Warriors achieve long-term success.
Nick Johnston then continued the evening by unveiling the club’s Regional Academy Centres, which will be introduced in six locations across the Midlands this autumn.
Warriors will launch Centres at Broadstreet Rugby Club, Hereford Cathedral School, Luctonians Rugby Club, Telford College of Arts and Technology, Warwick School and a location in Birmingham to be confirmed at a later date. These will run alongside the club’s current Centre at Sixways.
Warriors’ coaches will work with the best young rugby players across the Midlands to develop the next generation of first-team stars, while the club will also look to grow their commercial opportunities and fanbase.
The Supporters' Evening concluded with Jonathan Thomas, Chris Pennell and Head Coach Carl Hogg answering questions which supporters had sent to the club.
Anthony Glossop said: “The club is still in the early stages of its journey. While we are bitterly disappointed to be relegated, the next campaign will present us with an opportunity to rebuild and come back stronger.
“With the added investment the club will receive, the increased emphasis on the Academy and the success of Dean’s recruitment process, I have every confidence that our vision will come to fruition.
“With our long-term focus and a loyal fanbase, there are exciting times ahead at Sixways.”
Fans who submitted questions ahead of the Supporters’ Evening will receive an Ezine from the club next week if their question was not addressed on the night.